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I used to be sharp. Sharp enough to answer six emails while chairing a meeting, fix a typo in a project proposal mid-sentence, and still remember to pick up oat milk on the way home. I was the person everyone came to for quick answers. My brain was my superpower—until, quite suddenly, it wasn’t.I was heading up a major project, mentoring a team, reviewing data, juggling deadlines like a Cirque du Soleil act—and then, without warning, I couldn’t remember why I walked into the kitchen. Or worse into a meeting.I didn’t feel tired. I felt… scrambled. You know when your computer has 27 tabs open and none of them are responding? That was my brain. And no amount of green juice or motivational podcasts could fix it.This Isn’t Just Burnout (Although That Was There Too) At first, I assumed it was burnout. Classic case. Years of working hard, pushing through, proving myself. I thought: “Of course I’m tired—I’ve been running on caffeine and cortisol forever.”But something was different. It wasn’t just that I was tired—it was that my mind no longer felt like mine. Words I knew intimately began escaping me. Mid-sentence.I started writing everything down. Sticky notes multiplied like rabbits. I even put a Post-it on my water bottle that said “Drink this”. Spoiler: I didn’t.Enter: The Perimenopause Plot Twist I was 45. What I didn’t realise is that I had quietly crossed into perimenopause, that mysterious phase where your hormones go off script and start improvising. Nobody tells you that this transition can hit hardest not in your body, but in your brain.According to a 2021 study published in Neurology, over 60% of women in midlife report memory issues, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating during perimenopause [1]. The drop in estrogen affects key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine.Which is why one day you’re presenting strategic outcomes with clarity, and the next, you’re googling "Is it normal to start mixing up my kids’ names with the dog’s—or should I be concerned?"Wired, Tired, and Wide Awake at 3:00AM Sleep? That became a thing of the past.I’d fall asleep exhausted, only to snap awake a few hours later—brain racing, heart pounding, and apparently ready to reorganise the pantry or relive that one awkward conversation from 2009.Cortisol, our stress hormone, peaks earlier in perimenopausal women. Combine that with plummeting estrogen and progesterone, and you’ve got a brain that’s basically hosting a rave at 3am.Sleep deprivation alone can tank your memory, mood, and decision-making. Add perimenopause on top, and you’ve got a perfect storm—with no “sick day” policy in sight.Meanwhile, at Work… Imagine being a scientist or department head known for precision, or an artist who lives off creative flow—and suddenly everything feels… inaccessible.You’re reading a document you wrote last week and it may as well have been written in Sanskrit. You’re standing in front of a room and completely blank on the project’s key objective (even though you designed the project).You begin to doubt yourself. Not just your skills, but your core identity. You start working harder to cover it. You hide behind “busy” or “just tired” or “I’m multitasking a lot”—when really, you’re terrified that something deeper is going wrong. And because no one talks about this stuff, you start thinking maybe it is just you.You’re Not Broken. You’re Evolving. The turning point for me came in a meeting. I was mid-sentence—speaking confidently, passionately—and then… static. I looked at my colleague and said, “I’ve completely lost my train of thought. Give me a sec.”Except it didn’t come back. That night I got really scared. I finally admitted to myself: this isn’t burnout, this is something else.I made an appointment with a GP (one who actually understood women’s health), ran some bloodwork, and there it was: welcome to the perimenopause party—where the theme is “surprise,” and the dress code is “whatever fits today.”From Breakdown to Biohacking Once I understood what was going on, I got to work—scientist mode activated.I began paying attention to&nbsp; my cycle. I started strength training again. I reduced my caffeine (reluctantly), added magnesium glycinate, focused on omega-3s, and started giving my nervous system the same respect I once gave my inbox.I built boundaries—real ones. I said no more often. I moved meetings to times when I knew I was mentally sharp. I scheduled rest like it was an urgent appointment. And I stopped feeling guilty for needing it.So What Do I Want Women (and Employers) to Know? This isn’t a side issue. This is the issue for many mid-career women.Brilliant leaders, creatives, and innovators aren’t vanishing from the scene—but many are silently struggling. Not because they’ve lost their drive, but because their hormones have hijacked their bandwidth—and no one ever gave them a manual.Perimenopause impacts brain function, energy, confidence, and identity. And yet, it remains invisible in most workplaces.A Harvard Business Review piece in 2023 found that 35% of women aged 45–55 said menopause symptoms impacted their decision to pursue a promotion, and 18% had taken time off because of it—but almost none talked to their managers about it [2].Why? Because we’re still told to push through, hide the struggle, smile through the fog.The Future (and My Brain) Looks Different Now Is the brain fog completely gone? Not every day. But now I know how to manage it. I’ve learned to work with my body instead of gaslighting it.I wish I’d known sooner that this wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom—forcing its way in, demanding I pay attention. Forcing me to drop the performance and be real.So, if you’re a high-functioning woman who suddenly can’t remember the word “functioning,” please hear this:You are not losing it. You’re not too old. And you are definitely not alone.You’re just in transition—and with the right support, this can be one of the most powerful transitions of your life.&nbsp; Sources: [1] Greendale GA, et al. (2021). Neurology. Cognitive performance and the menopause transition. [2] Harvard Business Review (2023). The overlooked cost of menopause in the workplace. [3] Medic G, Wille M, Hemels MEH (2017). Nature and Science of Sleep. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.&nbsp; P.S. If your brain has recently left the chat too, DM me. You don’t need to navigate this alone—especially not with a foggy compass and a broken GPS. At VANTA Coaching, we’re rewriting the midlife narrative (and we never forget the snacks).

What Happened When I Hit Perimenopause Mid-Career (and My Brain Left the Chat)

At the very moment many women are poised for senior leadership roles, a silent, biological shift is pushing them out of the workforce. Menopause—often treated as a personal or private matter—is, in reality, a significant business issue.We talk a lot about gender equality, leadership diversity, and inclusive workplace culture. But without addressing menopause, these conversations are incomplete. Perimenopause and menopause represent one of the most underserved leadership gaps in women’s health and professional development.The Overlooked Career Cliff Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55—precisely when many women are reaching the peak of their careers. These are the years when experience, leadership, and institutional knowledge converge. Yet for many, this is also when their body begins to shift in ways that are rarely discussed in professional environments.Symptoms such as sleep disruption, anxiety, memory lapses, brain fog, joint pain, and hot flashes are not simply inconvenient—they can be career-limiting when misunderstood or unsupported.A 2023 study published in Occupational Medicine surveyed over 2,000 women in the workplace and found that:65% said menopausal symptoms affected their work performance 18% had taken time off due to severe symptoms 35% said it influenced career decisions, like applying for a promotion or leadership role The Mayo Clinic has estimated an annual loss of $1.8 billion in the U.S. economy due to menopause-related absenteeism. In the UK, similar patterns are emerging—with 1 in 10 women reportedly leaving their jobs due to unmanaged menopausal symptoms.The Cost of Silence The real danger lies in silence. A study by the Australasian Menopause Society found that:83% of women said menopause affected them at work Yet only 70% would feel comfortable discussing it with a manager Fear of judgment, being perceived as weak or “past it,” keeps many women silent.This silence is even more pronounced in high-stress, male-dominated industries like policing and defense. In the Northern Ireland Police Service, a 2018 report revealed:79% of female officers experienced work-related challenges due to menopause 59% reported a decline in job performance Only 27% felt safe enough to disclose this to a supervisor When experienced women exit early or scale back ambition, businesses lose mentors, role models, and a wealth of operational wisdom. Leadership pipelines are quietly drained.A Day in the Life: When High Performance Meets Hormonal Chaos Consider Sarah, a 47-year-old senior operations manager at a national logistics firm. She’s sharp, assertive, and has been promoted steadily over two decades. But lately, things are shifting. She’s waking up drenched in sweat after restless sleep, struggling to recall key details during meetings, and battling waves of anxiety she never used to have.She hasn’t told her manager. Why would she? There’s no company policy, no HR material, no acknowledgment that this stage of life exists—let alone matters.So instead of asking for support, she powers through. Quietly. But her confidence is slipping, her output is dipping, and she’s starting to wonder if maybe she’s just “losing her edge.” She’s not. She’s in perimenopause. And without support, Sarah—like many high-performing women—may downshift her career or step away entirely.This is the invisible fork in the road that so many women reach in midlife. And it’s where companies either retain brilliance—or lose it unnecessarily.What Businesses and HR Leaders Can Do Supporting women through menopause is not a wellness perk—it’s a retention strategy, a performance enhancer, and a DEI imperative. Here’s how companies can begin to close this leadership gap:&nbsp;1. Acknowledge and Normalize Include menopause in wellbeing and inclusion strategies. When leadership acknowledges it, stigma fades.&nbsp;2. Provide Flexible Work Options Remote work, adjusted hours, and quiet recovery spaces for when symptoms flare reduce presenteeism and stress.&nbsp;3. Train Managers Equip line managers to recognize symptoms, offer support, and make reasonable accommodations.&nbsp;4. Update Benefits Add hormone therapy, coaching, nutrition, and psychological support to your healthcare plans.&nbsp;5. Create Peer Support Spaces Establish ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) or informal networks for midlife women to share and connect.&nbsp;6. Track Leadership Data by Gender and Age Notice where your pipeline thins. If women disappear around age 45+, menopause may be a root cause.Turning a Challenge Into a Competitive Advantage Forward-thinking companies are already taking action:HSBC, Channel 4, and the UK Civil Service have introduced menopause workplace policies Deloitte has called for menopause-friendly environments as a key future-of-work priority When you support women through menopause, they don’t just return to form—they rise with renewed power, clarity, and loyalty.A Vision for the Future What if menopause wasn't treated as a liability, but as a leadership lens?What if your most experienced female talent was supported, coached, and equipped to lead through this transition—with resilience, clarity, and renewed purpose?Imagine an executive team with not just age diversity, but hormonal intelligence. A workplace where women at every stage feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute fully. Where leadership development doesn’t pause at 45, but evolves.Menopause isn’t a side issue. It’s central to gender equity, retention, and leadership growth.Final Thoughts Menopause may be a biological inevitability—but losing brilliant women to unmanaged symptoms is not.With education, empathy, and bold HR strategy, we can transform what was once a career cliff into a platform for renewed leadership, resilience, and reinvention.

The Silent Leadership Gap: Why Menopause Is Costing Businesses Their Best Talent

Let’s be honest — we’re not short on information. We’re drowning in it.Everyone’s got an opinion. Instagram “experts,” wellness influencers, AI-generated life hacks, and TikTok “nutritionists” all shouting over each other. Fast. Eat more protein. Meditate. Lift heavy. Take magnesium. Say affirmations. Do shadow work. Get cold. Go to therapy — but also, somehow, rest.It’s no wonder you feel stuck. It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s decision fatigue, confusion, and a nervous system on the brink of collapse from constant input.Here’s the truth: information is everywhere. Transformation is rare.That’s where personal coaching comes in. That’s where I come in.As a wellness coach I’m not here to compete with AI. I’m here to translate what AI can’t. Because knowing what to do is one thing — knowing what matters for you right now? That takes nuance. Pattern recognition. Wisdom. Lived experience. And no AI — no app, no algorithm — can replicate that.As a scientist, I feel genuinely privileged to blend research, real-world results, and deep human insight to help people cut through the noise and move forward with clarity. To understand the “why” behind their body’s signals. And most importantly, to apply science in ways that are actually doable — in real life, not in theory.So what is personal coaching, really?It’s not therapy. It’s not advice. And it’s definitely not a motivational quote machine. Coaching is a precision tool for growth — backed by neuroscience, systems/ holistic thinking, and real human connection. It’s a partnership built on truth, strategy, and trust.First, we get radically clear on what actually matters to you. Not what you’ve been told you should want — but the vision that’s been quietly waiting beneath all the noise. Together, we bring it into sharp focus.Next, we name the resistance. Because the reason you’re stuck isn’t a mystery — it just hasn’t been spoken aloud yet. It’s not laziness. It’s the fear of being seen. It’s perfectionism disguised as productivity. It’s people-pleasing, inner critic stories, nervous system overload, or even hormonal chaos showing up as “mood swings.” It’s wanting both freedom and control — and not knowing how to hold both. Once we name what’s really holding you back, it starts to lose its grip. And once it’s visible, we can move through it — with clarity and compassion.Then, we co-create a strategy — tailored to your life, your biology, and your season. This isn’t a cookie-cutter plan. It’s science and soul, structure and flexibility, all aligned to what actually works for you.And we don’t stop at the plan. We practise confidence through action. Because true confidence isn’t something you talk yourself into — it’s something you build through movement, micro-wins, brave conversations, and consistent follow-through. I support you through all of it. Not with pressure, but with presence.Finally, we recalibrate. Because life isn’t static — and neither are you. As things shift, we refine the plan, raise the bar, adjust expectations, and keep you moving forward without falling into burnout.Here’s the part I need you to hear: You can Google the info — but you can’t Google you. You are not a dataset. You are not a trend. You are not meant to be managed by a machine. You are a living, feeling, dynamic human who deserves coaching that speaks to your body, your mind, your hormones, your history, and your heart.And that’s what I offer. Personalised, science-backed, soul-aware coaching that doesn’t just help you survive — it helps you rise.

What Personal Coaching Really Does — And Why It’s the Game-Changer You Didn’t Know You Needed

You used to think “strong” meant smashing PBs, pushing through, and showing up even when your body said “no.” Strength was measured in kilos lifted, miles run, and how little rest you could get away with.But let’s be honest — strong looks different now.Strong is no longer just about your physical output. It’s about alignment. It’s about knowing when to push and when to pause. It’s about making peace with your body — and finally hearing what she’s been trying to say for years.Because the truth is: you’re not breaking down — you’re breaking through.What Nobody Tells You About Strength After 35 Around your mid-30s, especially as you enter your 40s, your hormonal landscape starts to shift — subtly at first, then louder. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, cortisol tolerance drops, and recovery gets a little less forgiving. According to research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism, women begin losing lean muscle mass as early as age 30 — a process that accelerates during perimenopause due to the drop in anabolic hormones like estrogen and growth hormone. It’s called sarcopenia, and it’s not just about aesthetics. It affects metabolism, bone density, energy, even mental clarity.But instead of adjusting, we double down. We push harder. Train longer. Eat less. Because we were taught that strength = effort. Except now… the effort is burning us out.So What Does “Strong” Really Look Like? At VANTA, we’re redefining strength for this stage of life .<ul><li>Strong is honouring your hormonal rhythms — not overriding them.</li><li>Strong is lifting weights to build resilience, not to punish your body.</li><li>Strong is saying no to burnout, and yes to boundaries.</li><li>Strong is finally accepting that rest is a strategy — not a weakness.</li></ul>You don’t need to “get your old body back.” You’re not going backward — you’re evolving.The Psychology of Strength Is Changing Too Psychologist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, in her book The XX Brain, highlights how women’s brains change significantly through perimenopause, affecting cognition, mood, and emotional regulation. What this means for strength? You’re not just lifting for your body anymore — you’re lifting for your brain.Strength now includes:<ul><li>Nervous system regulation – staying calm under stress, recovering from overstimulation.&nbsp;</li><li>Emotional fluency – expressing your truth clearly and authentically</li><li>Hormonal literacy – understanding and working with your body’s natural cycles</li><li>Self-trust – knowing when to push and when to rest, without second-guessing</li></ul>&nbsp;These are the new PRs. This is what we coach at VANTA.Because we’re not here to sell you discipline in a bottle or generic plans from AI-generated algorithms. We’re here to coach the real you — the one whose body has changed, whose goals are evolving, and whose power is still unfolding.We’re here for:<ul><li>Women building strength during hormonal transitions</li><li>Coaches, mothers, professionals redefining what their next chapter looks like</li><li>Humans who know there's more to life than looking “fit” but feeling exhausted We don’t just build muscle. We build resilience. Energy. Clarity. Confidence.</li></ul>And we do it with science, soul, and strategy.Your next level isn’t about doing more. It’s about becoming more you.Let’s talk.&nbsp;

Strong looks different now. Why Midlife Strength Isn’t About Lifting More — It’s About Living Deeper

In a world buzzing with algorithms, productivity hacks, and perfectly optimised routines, there’s one thing artificial intelligence still can’t replicate: you!Your lived experience. Your emotions. Your fire. Your fog. Your story.That’s where we come in.At VANTA Coaching, we don’t just guide you toward results — we walk beside you, human to human, creating an experience that no chatbot, app, or automation can replace.AI is smart. But it’s not soulful. Sure, AI can track your macros. It can generate a workout. It might even “coach” you with a script of prompts or a library of pre-written advice.But AI doesn’t feel your frustration when your body doesn’t respond the way it used to. It doesn’t see the flicker in your eyes when you talk about your dreams. It doesn’t notice when your voice drops — just slightly — because your fire is dimming and no one else picked up on it.We do.&nbsp;We bring the nuance. The intuition. The magic. At VANTA, our coaching is grounded in science — but it’s infused with instinct.Because people aren’t machines. You’re not a set of data points. You’re a dynamic, evolving story.And we don’t just offer plans. This isn’t plug-and-play. We offer presence.&nbsp;We listen between the lines. We tailor your journey based on your energy, your mindset, your hormones, your season of life. We adjust — in real time — because life isn’t linear, and healing doesn't have to fit into a stock standard template.The VANTA Experience: Unrepeatable. Unautomated. Unapologetically You.Our approach is bold, holistic, and completely custom. Whether you're navigating hormonal shifts, rebuilding your strength, chasing performance, or rediscovering who you are beneath the roles — we’re not just coaching your goals.We’re coaching you. The whole you.✅ Real conversations ✅ Deep emotional intelligence ✅ Mind-body strategies that evolve as you do ✅ The kind of accountability AI can’t give you — human, intuitive, and empowering ✅ And yes — the occasional “I see you” when you didn’t even know you needed itIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but still stuck… If you’ve ever wished someone could really see you, hear you, and help you cut through the noise…That’s not something AI can solve.But we can. With empathy. With strategy. With presence. With purpose.&nbsp;It’s time to stop outsourcing your transformation to algorithms. Let’s make it personal. Let’s make it powerful. Let’s make it VANTA.Ready to experience coaching that connects on every level?

Why We Can Help You Better Than AI — And Why That Matters More Than Ever

Let’s face it — modern life isn’t exactly gentle. Between juggling deadlines, trying to eat clean(ish), getting movement in, managing your mental load, and pretending you’ve totally got it all together, it’s easy to end up in survival mode. Enter: the holistic wellness coach.But this isn’t your average “drink more water” kind of coach. A holistic wellness coach is your co-pilot for navigating life in full colour — body, mind, and spirit.Here’s why having one might just be your next power move:You’re smart — but your habits aren’t always. You know what’s good for you (meditation, morning walks, less doomscrolling), but actually doing it? That’s a whole other story. A wellness coach helps bridge the gap between knowing and doing — with tailored strategies, not guilt trips.You’ve outgrown quick fixes. Juice cleanses, 3-week fitness challenges, and the latest “miracle” supplement won’t fix burnout or help you feel truly at home in your body. Holistic coaching looks at the full picture: stress, hormones, sleep, mindset, movement, nutrition, purpose. All of it.You want to grow, not just “get by.” This isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about designing a life that feels vibrant, aligned, and sustainable. A holistic coach helps you recalibrate your daily habits so they support the life (and health) you actually want.You crave clarity, not more confusion. Between TikTok experts and endless contradicting wellness advice, it’s hard to know what’s real. Your coach brings grounded, evidence-based guidance — filtered for your biology, goals, and lifestyle.You want support that sees the whole you. Not just your weight. Not just your productivity. Not just your stress levels. A holistic wellness coach honours your uniqueness — and helps you connect the dots between your energy, emotions, hormones, and habits so you can live fully and intentionally.Bottom line? A holistic wellness coach is not a luxury. It’s a secret weapon. Someone who sees your potential, helps you remove the friction, and empowers you to live life on purpose — not autopilot.Because you’re not here to just survive. You’re here to thrive.

Why You (Yes, You) Might Need a Holistic Wellness Coach More Than You Think

VANTA Coaching

We provide holistic wellness coaching for perimenopausal and menopausal women, this includes physical fitness, sleep, hormonal health, nutrition, mental health, goals setting

Blog

What Happened When I Hit Perimenopause Mid-Career (and My...

The Silent Leadership Gap: Why Menopause Is Costing Busin...

What Personal Coaching Really Does — And Why It’s the Gam...

Strong looks different now. Why Midlife Strength Isn’t Ab...

Why We Can Help You Better Than AI — And Why That Matters...

Why You (Yes, You) Might Need a Holistic Wellness Coach M...